Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: One sport, too soon? Why young athletes are getting hurt more often

If you played sports as a kid, chances are you rotated with the seasons. However, today’s young athletes are often choosing a single sport early on and sticking with it year-round. And while focus and discipline can be great traits, this early specialization is linked to a rise in overuse injuries. More and more, kids are training like pros. That means fewer breaks, more repetition, and a higher risk of stress injuries, especially in joints such as the shoulders, elbows, and knees. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to 50% of all sports injuries in youth athletes are from overuse. That means they’re not freak accidents, but preventable problems caused by too much strain on growing bodies. Learn more about kids and sports.